Mayra Benitez

Mayra graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 2007 with a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering and immediately moved to Lakeland to work as a VIP Manufacturing Engineer, where she worked for 5 years. Mayra and her husband started operating Engineering For Kids in the fall of 2014, offering a unique educational experience for kids through classes, camps, clubs, and parties. Mayra is passionate about the educational impact her business is offering to future generations in our community and in Central West Florida.

Who are your clients? We teach 3 levels of STEAM education to children ages 4-14.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? Being able to control my time and let my creative juices ow. I also love inspiring children to pursue a science and engineering career in their future!

Something interesting? With our programs, kids build problem solving skills, discover how things work, explore engineering as a career option, learn math and science while having fun, and engage in real world engineering problems.

What are your short term goals? Serve more schools and have a STEAM learning center where kids can explore and learn in fun and challenging ways.

Why Lakeland? Lakeland is home and we want to help create a better future for the children here.

Favorite thing to do in Lakeland? I love the beauty and people of this city! The downtown restaurants are incredible and I love walking Lake Morton and Lake Mirror with my family.

How has Catapult helped you? Catapult promotes an environment of fellowship, creativity, and wisdom. It’s motivating to be surrounded by awesome people; it gives me confidence and encouragement to keep working towards my business goals.